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Show VM,WM Do Vou Know 3 ifi ftin, games and knowledge by MARTHA GLAUBER SHAPP, Editor. The New Book of Knowledgj' ' Coins and Coin Collecting Coin collecting referred to as numismatics is one of the oldest known hobbies. The word "numismatics" comes from the Greek word " nomisma and the Latin word numisma, meaning "coin." People who ' collect coins are called numismatics. j The designs on coins tell many stories. The coins of a country ,1 often are a record of its history and geography. Some ancient coins tell us all we know about a country or a period of history. They bring us portraits of rulers who would be otherwise unknown. un-known. Coins tell us about the art, mythology, religion, dress, and hairstyles of people who lived long ago. The first coin with a fixed value was not struck until the 7th century B.C. in Lydia (today Turkey). Ever since, coins have helped the world to carry on its trade and commerce. Your special interest will help you decide the kind of coin collection col-lection you would like to assemble. assem-ble. You may wish to collect the coins of one country or one part of the world. Or you may want your collection to contain coins from all over the world, but limited to a certain period of time. Some people choose to collect col-lect the coins of their own country, coun-try, while others are interested in ancient Greek and Roman coins. Many ancient coins are quite easy to obtain. Small ancient an-cient bronze pieces in average condition can often be bought for less than a dollar. A collection collec-tion of present day coins from countries forming the United Nations is not costly and is worldwide in scope. Coins that visitors bring back from foreign countries can be the beginning of a collection. Another way to start a collection is to select the best examples of coins now in use. You may be able to assemble as-semble an interesting series of United States coins with differ- (For a free booklet, "The Magic Ci New Book of Knowledge, send nai Shapp, Box 47. Putnam Valley, New ent dates and mintmarks. Spe- r cial mint sets and proof sets of ' United States coins are available from time to time. For informs- 1 tion, write to the Office of the Director of the Mint, Treasury Department, Washington, D. C 20220. There are many ways to arrange ar-range coin collections. Some collectors col-lectors keep their coins in 2-inch-square envelopes. A complete description of the coins should be written on the outside of the envelopes. These envelopes are arranged in cardboard boxes. Envelopes and boxes may he bought at any coin store. The disadvantage of this method, however, is that you cannot readily see your collection. You can also use transparent envelopes enve-lopes and album pages made of plastic materials, which can lie mounted in three-ring binders. Various other holders may be found in coin stores. To clean i coin, wash it gently with soap and warm water. Do not use scouring powder, metal polish, or steel wool. This will damaje both the looks and value of the coin. To get the most enjoyment from your hobby of coin collecting, col-lecting, read as much as you canl on the subject. Nearly every American city has at least one numismatic club. Many of these clubs belong to the- national organization, or-ganization, the American Numismatic Numis-matic Association. For information informa-tion about the clubs, write the Executive Secretary, P.O. Box 2366, Colorado Springs, Colors-do Colors-do 80901. irpet," illustrated in color from Tht nc and address to Martha ClauW York 10579.) |